Exploring Islamic Philosophy
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Exploring Islamic Philosophy presents a lively introduction to the Islamic philosophical tradition by focusing on over a thousand years of Islamic philosophical theory and praxis, from Spain to Iran. The book begins with some basic definitions of the subject matter and then moves into a careful presentation of the most important Islamic philosophers’ expositions of being, God, knowledge, psychology, political theory, virtue, and death and the afterlife. The volume ends by suggesting ways in which Islamic philosophical ideas can inform and invigorate contemporary discussions on ethics, gender, and ecology.
Published: Nov 21, 2025
Series
| Section | Chapter | Authors |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | ||
| Entry Points | Sayeh Meisami | |
| Chapter 1 | ||
| Reality and its Parts | Sayeh Meisami | |
| Chapter 2 | ||
| Knowledge and Selfhood | Sayeh Meisami | |
| Chapter 3 | ||
| God and Cosmos | Sayeh Meisami | |
| Chapter 4 | ||
| Virtue and Governance | Sayeh Meisami | |
| Conclusion | ||
| Care for Others, Care for the World | Sayeh Meisami | |
Reviews
Exploring Islamic Philosophy is a rare achievement. Lucid, original, and informed, this book will be a centerpiece of introductions to Islamic thought for many years to come. Professor Meisami creates a conversation that includes the most salient philosophers in the Islamic world, focusing on key terms and debates. Elegant and non-technical discussions of philosophical differences make the book a joy to read and an excellent teaching tool, without sacrificing profundity.
Cyrus Ali Zargar, Al-Ghazali Distinguished Professor, University of Central Florida
Exploring Islamic Philosophy is the most inclusive volume of its kind, covering
philosophical debate across the Islamic world and encompassing major thinkers of the
Classical and post-Classical periods, as well as key figures from philosophical Sufism
and rational theology. The author offers remarkably clear accounts of core themes in
theoretical philosophy, including reality, knowledge, the self, and God and the cosmos.
The book’s treatment of practical philosophy extends beyond familiar themes of human
flourishing, freedom and responsibility, and the ideal state to issues of contemporary
concern, including gender and the environment. It focuses on philosophical analysis, but
also provides important and helpful information about the social context of debate.
Accessible and engaging, Exploring Islamic Philosophy is a suitable companion text for undergraduate courses in Islamic philosophy.
Kara Richardson, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Syracuse University